KOREAN DESIGNER AMI PARK

Korean Designer

Ami Park is a Korean designer who graduated from the Parsons School of Design BFA fashion design. She was born and raised in Seoul, Korea and later moved to New York to follow her career. She gained experience in the fashion field by interning for Louise Goldin, Derek Lam and Alice & Olivia. She worked in Kittae which is a women’s wear designer brand based in New York. And then She created a capsule collection called mold collection.

For those who don’t know you, tell us about your background

I essentially pursue creative ways to make a harmony of eccentric prints, colors, and textures with a wearable and reachable aesthetic. I enjoy working in naturally evolving ideas that are unconventional and unique showing a relationship between the concept, design, and materials. Based on such interest and appreciation in a beauty of textile I made my capsule collection inspired by mold/fungus. This mold collection is an examination of innovative textile collaborated with creative construction. Scientific explorations with deep research and reinterpretation of mold evolve more attractive and unique design identity showing beautiful craftsmanship, which gives romantic and modern feeling underlying a touch of playful sense. Now I live in Brooklyn with a sister who does photography.

When did you know you wanted to be a fashion designer?

I always loved art and I think that’s because of my mom. She’s such a fashion and art lover. I remember she enjoyed shopping with little me whether at designer boutiques or vintage stores. Thanks to her, I naturally started to have interest in fashion but I didn’t plan to do fashion design till I turned 19. I just loved fashion that was all. I couldn’t even think of doing it as my fulltime job. So I studied craft and art major in Korea which made me doubtful about what I really wanted. One day I thought, “What am I doing now? Why shouldn’t I do fashion that I always care?” That is how I decided to move to New York City to do fashion.

What’s it like being in the Fashion industry?

It is tough and hectic. You face with every kind of unpredictable issues. But you don’t feel it’s tough and hectic because you love what you do. Working in fashion is hardly attainable if you don’t have passion for it. Sometimes you’ll meet someone mean but you’ll also meet good people who want to help and support your success.

Talk about the changes in your life since you’ve your own Brand.

I think I’m getting more optimistic and positive because I have better things to care about not worry and I really hope the things would turn well.

How do you choose your inspiration?

I often get intrigued in nature. Especially I love seeing microscopic and biological images because they have unique and unusual visual effect. Other than that, since I’m textile driven designer, I try to see and document objects with colors and textures.

In one word: how would you define yourself as a designer?

Explorer

What advice would you pass along to those starting in the Fashion Business?

What I believe as a designer, you have to be yourself. To do that, you should know yourself; what you are good at also bad at. I think that is how you start to build your own brand identity. And most importantly, be confident in your faith.